Method of using omega-3 fatty acids

ABSTRACT

1. A method for influencing behavior in young, adult or aged pet animals which comprises systemically administering a behavior influencing quantity of an omega-3 fatty acid or mixture of omega-3 fatty acids.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0001] Omega-3-fatty acids are known to be beneficial to mammals. Someof their benefits are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,776,91 3 whereinspecific diets can ameliorate metabolic disturbances in animals withcancer. Omega-3-fatty acids are typically, exemplified byeicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA), a-linolenic acid,and octadecatetraenoic acid. EPA and DHA are generally considered to bethe most important and significant of the long chain omega-3 fattyacids. Generally, these long chain fatty acids are present in relativelylow, almost minute, quantities or completely absent in typical pet foodcompositions. The fatty acid composition of foods consumed by companionpets, for example dogs and cats, directly influences the biologicallevels of fatty acid found in their blood.

[0002] Natural products which have relatively high levels of omega-3unsaturated fatty acids such as EPA and DHA can be derived from marineoils such as salmon, anchovy, sardine and menhaden. Such natural oilscan be concentrated to even higher percentages of omega-3-fatty acids.

[0003] When provided systemically to pet animals such as dogs and catsin the proper quantities, omega-3 fatty acids can assist in andpositively influence behavior in young, adult and aged animals. Suchbehavior influences can be particularly important in animals having agerelated cognition decline (ARCD). However, even in young and matureanimals that are not of an age wherein ARCD is normally found, thesystemic administration of omega-3 fatty acids can bring about positivebehavior changes.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0004] In accordance with the invention there is a method forinfluencing behavior in adult or aged pet animals which comprisessystemically administering a behavior influencing quantity of an omega-3fatty acid or mixture of omega-3 fatty acids.

[0005] A further aspect of the invention is a composition suitable fororal ingestion by an adult or aged pet animal comprising a carrier and abehavior influencing quantity of an omega-3 fatty acid or mixture ofomega-3 fatty acids.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0006] Omega-3-fatty acids are a recognized group of polyunsaturatedfatty carboxylic acids. They have long chain polyalkenyl groups, whichare normal or branched, with about 8 to about 24 carbon atoms,preferably about 1 0 to about 22 carbon atoms, including the carbon atomof the carboxyl group. These are acids which have a double bond betweenthe 3 and 4 carbon atoms as measured from the end of the molecule notcontaining the carboxy group. Chief among the omega-3-fatty acids is theaforementioned EPA and DHA fatty acids. Derivatives of omega-3 fattyacids can also be employed. Many types of derivatives are well known toone skilled in the art. Examples of suitable derivatives are esters,such as branched or unbranched and/or saturated or unsaturated C₁-C₃₀cycloalkyl esters, in particular C₁-C₆ alkyl esters. Their systemicpotential has been recognized in the art, for example U.S. Pat. Nos.5,776,91 3 and 6,015,798. As used in this application and claims“omega-3 fatty acid” includes its derivatives.

[0007] With respect to the quantity of the omega-3 fatty acid or mixtureof omega-3 fatty acids, a minimum amount of about 0.5 wt. %, preferablyabove about 1.0 wt. %, or 2 wt. %, on a dry matter basis, as measured byquantity of daily diet composition should be administered. Generally nomore than about 10 wt. %, preferably no more than about 7, 5, or 4 wt. %can be employed. EPA and DHA are the preferred omega-3 fatty acids. Thefatty acids can be administered in a diet such as canned (wet) or dry,in combination with a supplement such as a treat in liquid or solidform, or in the water supply or even as a separate dosage unit, forexample a capsule or tablet containing the omega-3 fatty acid or mixtureof omega-3 fatty acids.

[0008] The omega-3 fatty acid or mixture thereof is systemicallyadministered to a pet cat or dog preferably having observable decline inestablished behavior practices. However, it can be administered to a petanimal not having an observable behavior decline in established behaviorpractices and one can see a positive change in behavior practices. Ayoung cat or dog is up to about 1 year of age. An adult animal, cat ordog, is generally from about 1 to 6 years of age while an aged cat ordog is about 7 years of age or older. Preferably, pet animals having atleast one of cancer, and/or arthritis can be excluded from treatment.

[0009] Examples of behavior which can be altered for the positive by thesystemic administration of omega-3 fatty acids include memory; learning;disorientation including at least one of awareness of surroundings,circling, aimless activity, inappropriate vocalization; interactionsincluding at least one of family recognition, animal recognition, familyinteraction, animal interaction, greeting enthusiasm, attention seeking,response to verbal commands; activity such as agility and level ofactivity; irregular sleep pattern; housetraining; and any behaviorassociated with ARCD.

[0010] Improvement in at least one of these areas can be observed inpets even though there may not be an observable loss in behavioralfunction. It is preferable to systemically provide the active omega-3fatty acid(s) when a loss in capacity has been observed. Generally animprovement in the behavior is observed after one to two weeks ofomega-3 administration, although sometimes it can take several months,up to about six months for a positive change in behavior.

[0011] Below is an example of a specific diet, which can be used tosupply the omega-3 fatty acid or mixture thereof: Canine AdultMaintenance Diet Wt. % as Dry Matter Protein 15-23 Fat  7-15Carbohydrate 40-60 EPA/DHA 1-5

[0012] The effect of omega-3 fatty acids can be enhanced by adding othernutrients such as antioxidants, tryptophan, drugs such as SRRI's, andthe like.

1. A method for influencing behavior in young, adult or aged pet animalswhich comprises systemically administering a behavior influencingquantity of an omega-3 fatty acid or mixture of omega-3 fatty acids. 2.The method in accordance with claim 1 wherein the animal is a dog or acat.
 3. The method in accordance with claim 2 wherein the dog or cat isabout 1 to 6 years of age.
 4. The method in accordance with claim 2wherein the dog or cat is at least about 7 years of age.
 5. The methodin accordance with claim 2 wherein the dog or cat has an observablebehavior deficit prior to administration of the omega-3 fatty acid ormixtures thereof.
 6. The method in accordance with claim 2 wherein thedog or cat does not have cancer or arthritis.
 7. The method inaccordance with claim 2 wherein the dog or cat is up to about 1 year ofage.
 8. A composition suitable for systemic administration to a youngadult or aged pet animal which comprises a carrier and a behaviorinfluencing quantity of an omega-3 fatty acid or a mixture of omega-3fatty acids.